House of Orsini

The House of Orsini was an Italian noble family that was founded in the 12th century. The Orsinis rivalled the Colonna family for control of Rome for centuries, and they produced three Popes (Pope Celestine III, Pope Nicholas III, and Pope Benedict XIII). The family also included 34 Catholic cardinals, numerous condottieri, and other significant political and religious figures. Famous condotierri from the family included Paolo Orsini, Fabio Orsini, Niccolo di Pitigliano, and Bartolomeo d'Alviano.